The Rangers had enough offensive worries last season with a healthy Marian Gaborik. Now that they’re looking at Gaborik missing the opening of next season after shoulder surgery, GM Glen Sather is on the hunt for scoring help.

The degree to which these discussions between Sather and Poile have advanced is unknown, but The Post has learned this is more than the GM “kicking the tires.” The Blueshirts, of course, would have to be given a window in which to conduct contract negotiations with Radulov before agreeing to trade for his rights.

Brooks says Radulov has a big offer from CSKA in the KHL to return to Russia which would be a huge stumbling block. Still, the Rangers’ need for more offense and Gaborik’s injury have put them in a tough position heading into next season. While Rick Nash will be out there to be had via trade, the cost in players and prospects may still be too high to pull that off.

He’s nowhere NEAR Avery. Yes, he’s got a temper sometimes and he made a mistake or two. But sweet jesus, he’s not AVERY bad. If a coach can properly reign him in like Barry Trotz is trying to do, he’d make a great damn player. But I don’t think Torts has the attitude to put Radulov in line.

t16rich - Jun 3, 2012 at 1:52 PM

Hahahaha true. I didn’t mean it as a team-mate though, I meant it as the on ice effort. Hate Avery or not, he always came to play. His effort made him look that much more effective. As a defensive enthuisast, watching Radulov lack of effort in the backchecking, drove me nuts. I don’t see this happening, and I bet Rangers fans are thinking “what happened last time we got a controversial player?” (Avery). Nothing but headaches. Agreed though, Torts no BS approach and Radulov’s reputation make this seem like it will only be a disaster if it goes through. If Torts is willing to bench Gaborik in playoff games, imagine what he will do to Radulov.

Alright, I can see that, haha. I don’t know. It’s hard to say if what Radulov needs is just some motivation to play at his best. If it doesn’t pan out in the NHL, the KHL would give him ANYTHING to come back and treat him like royalty. There’s no reason for him to push himself to the breaking point if he’s virtually ‘guaranteed’ to get what he wants no matter what.

pone27 - Jun 3, 2012 at 1:42 PM

Great talent, with a stereo typical Russian attitude..

Not the least bit surprised Sather would make a jump at Rads. Sounds like a typical Sather move to me.

It’s not a ‘stereotypical Russian’ attitude. The problem Radulov has is that he’s a golden boy. The KHL is bad about player discipline, and he gets everything handed to him on a silver platter, as do a lot of Russian players. If they were catered to less and had to fight hard for what they get more often, I think you’d see some changed young Russians coming out of the country.

kingfooj - Jun 6, 2012 at 12:31 PM

predswilrule - Jun 3, 2012 at 2:03 PM

hope this happens. he aint coming back here so we might as well get something for his rights.

Let’s see, can anyone remember back like a long three years ago when Torts met another Russian named Zherdev? That didn’t go over too good and I don’t think this would be any better.
Go after Nash in a three way trade with Ottawa who has Bishop to send to Columbus.

Funny- after Nashville did everything imaginable to throw dirt on his name, I imagined the Rangers as the only organization that would still have interest in him. The “big offer” from the KHL is clearly a ploy from his agent: If he wanted to play for ruples and fly around in death-traps he wouldn’t have made “the comeback” in the first place. Your move Rangers- I recommend 3 Million dollars per as an opening bid. And don’t worry- your coach and roster will love him.